Manchester United Football Club News

• Nickname:Red Devils
• Founded:1878
• Manager:Sir Alex Ferguson

• Ground:Old Trafford
• Capacity:68,174

Unhappy Lille lodge complaint

22 Feb 2007 - 10:22:22

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UEFA have confirmed they have received a complaint from Lille about Ryan Giggs' controversial late winner in Manchester United's 1-0 Champions League victory on Tuesday.

The French club have lodged an official complaint after the Wales international handed United a priceless away goal with a quickly-taken free-kick which was sanctioned by referee Eric Braamhaar.

UEFA have already confirmed that will investigate matters both on and off the pitch at Lens - where the last 16 first leg tie was held.

United are unhappy that some of their fans appeared to be pushed against a 10-foot high metal fence and at least two people had to be lifted over the barriers to safety.

Riot police then fired tear gas and swung truncheons at those who were trying to climb over the barrier.

Meanwhile, on the pitch the Lille players appeared to threaten to walk off following the decision to allow Giggs' 83rd minute winner.

A statement on the UEFA website confirmed the organisation had: "received a protest from Lille concerning an alleged violation of the laws of the game by the referee when Manchester United scored the only goal of the match."

UEFA are set to rule on the matter on Friday February 23 with a hearing over the off-field problems taking place "at the next ordinary meeting of the control and disciplinary body on March 22" which seems to rule out the possibility of the French club being kicked out of the competition.